ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Konkan Railway accomplishes ‘Mission 100% Electrification’
On a mission mode to electrify its entire Broad Gauge network to provide environment friendly, green & clean mode of transport to its people under the ‘Mission 100% Electrification - Moving towards net Zero Carbon Emission’ plan, Konkan Railway has accomplished 100% Rail electrification of its entire stretch.
The foundation stone for the Electrification of the entire 741 kms route work was laid in November 2015. The total cost of the project is Rs. 1287 crore. The CRS inspection of the entire Konkan Railway route has been successfully conducted in six phases starting from March 2020. CRS inspection of the last section between Ratnagiri & Thivim was carried out on 24/03/2022 and authorization was obtained on 28/03/2022.
The electrification project has been challenging due to the difficult terrain of Konkan Railway & non conducive atmosphere due to Covid - 19 Pandemic. Moreover due to the extreme monsoon in the Konkan region, special arrangements had to be made at many locations to keep the electrification mission going non-stop.
It is worthwhile to note the numerous inherent benefits of electric traction i.e. Significant savings in fuel expenditure i.e more than ₹150 Cr., Seamless operation on Electric Traction on the West Coast, pollution free mode of transportation and Reduced dependence on HSD oil.
Konkan Railway being one of the biggest railway routes on the Indian Railway network, the train operations with electric traction will be implemented on the newly electrified KR route in a phased manner.
Konkan Railway always practices Safety First and will continue to work towards the progress of the nation.
Ministry of Home Affairs
NDMA reviews preparedness to tackle Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala
The National Disaster Management Authority  conducted a meeting to review the status of Nipah virus outbreak reported from Kerala here today.
Representatives from Kerala apprised NDMA about the efforts being made by the State Government in tackling and containing the outbreak. They also said that there is no need to panic and that the situation is under control with the State Government constantly monitoring the situation in a proactive manner.
They also informed that experts from National Centre for Disease Control , Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ; All India Institute of Medical Sciences , New Delhi; Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi and Department of Animal husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries  are already working with the State Government on the ground.
NDMA emphasised that though there is no need to panic, we should be prepared to take any necessary action at a short notice.
Representatives from NCDC, MoHFW, AIIMS, New Delhi, National Disaster Response Force  and DADF attended the meeting.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
13 Flying Training Organisations  approved by DGCA to Provide Pilot Training for Drones
As on 15 Sep 2020, 13 Flying Training Organisations  have been approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation  to provide pilot training for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System  or drones.
Draft Civil Aviation Requirements  Section 7, Series D, Part-I and draft Flying Training Circular  - 2 of 2020 have been published on the DGCA website for seeking public comments. Once the above mentioned CAR and FTC are approved, it would encourage more entities to seek permission for providing drone training.
As on 15 Sep 2020, 13 FTOs have been permitted to provide drone pilot training. The basis of granting them such permission was, inter alia, their familiarisation with aviation safety aspects, regulatory mechanisms, experience in the field of training pilots on manned aircraft, the availability of equipment, trainers, requisite infrastructure etc.
The remote pilot training requirements are laid down in CAR Section 3, Series X, Part - I. Based on this, the training programme is prepared by each FTO and the training is imparted after due approval from DGCA.
On 17 Sep 2020, DGCA has accorded in-principle approval for the "Certification scheme for RPAS" submitted by the Quality Council of India . This will enable third party testing and certification of drones. QCI would now empanel Certification Bodies based on the laid down criteria and commence the testing and certification process for drones.
This information was given in a written reply by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State  Civil Aviation, in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Culture
Reviving the glory of Indian hockey
It took the Indian hockey team 41 years to end the medal drought at the Olympics. A resolute Indian men's hockey team rewrote history when it scored a sweet victory at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The bronze at the Tokyo Olympics was not just a medal, but it was also the realization of the hopes and dreams of crores of countrymen.
There was a time when India ruled world hockey. The eight-time former gold-winners at the Olympics, however, failed to keep pace with modern hockey in the last four decades. The advent of astro turf and unprecedented changes in the rules of the game caused a slump in the fortunes of Indian hockey as it struggled in the world class competitions. But the Indian hockey team has risen from the ashes and is on the path of resurgence. Under the captaincy of Manpreet Singh, India finally managed to bag the most sought after medal at the Olympics.
Congratulating the Indian team on this historic victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This is a new India, an India full of confidence. This is a historic day, which will always remain in the memory of every Indian. Congratulations to Team India for bringing home the Bronze. They have given new hope to the youth of our country.” All the members of the team presented the Prime Minister a hockey stick with their autographs during their felicitation ceremony.
Now this stick, which has given wings to lakhs of aspiring hockey players, has been included in the online bid of gifts received by the Prime Minister. Whoever wants to acquire this stick can participate in the online bidding site -- pmmementos.gov.in/. This online bid, which started from September 17, will run till October 7.
The amount raised from the auction will be spent on the Namami Gange project, the conservation and rejuvenation program of the Ganga river.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia lay the foundation stone of Datia Airport
● flights connecting Datia to Khajuraho and Bhopal will be operationalised
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, laid the foundation stone of Datia Airport in Madhya Pradesh today.
The airport is being developed at a cost of around Rs. 50 crore and is expected to be complete by February 2024. The development involves the renovation of the existing 1810-meter runway and construction of apron which can house two nineteen-seater aircraft and a terminal building of 750 square meters and ATC tower. The terminal building will have the capacity to accommodate 100 passengers during peak hours.
The development of Datia airstrip into an airport has been a long-time demand that is being fulfilled now. As a part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN, which aims to enhance connectivity by reaching the last mile, Datia Airport once operational will enhance regional connectivity, provide necessary amenities and facilities to people, and contribute to the overall growth of the region.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that Civil Aviation will not only connect the big cities but also the religious shrines of the country. A new Airport has been built in Deogarh, multiple new airports are being developed in other parts of the country. Now, the development of Datia airport will be completed soon. As soon as it is developed, flights connecting Khajuraho and Bhopal will be operationalised. These routes have already been awarded under RCS UDAN.
Shri Scindia appreciated and thanked the CM of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan and the sate government for their cooperation for the development of the region.
In Madhya Pradesh, aircraft movement  has gone from 506  to 554  - to 956 currently- a jump of 72.5%  and 89% . The development work at DATIA Airport for the operation of 19-seater Aircraft will further enhance regional connectivity. It will also help to promote tourism in the region.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was graced by the Shri Narottam Mishra, Minister for Home Affairs, Law and Legislative Affairs, Prisons, and Parliamentary Affairs in Government of Madhya Pradesh and Smt. Sandhya Ray, MP. Shri Sanjiv Kumar, Chairman AAI, Shri Asangba Chuba Aao, JS, MoCA and other officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Airports Authority of India were also present.
Ministry of Power
Power Minister Shri RK Singh holds meeting with North-Eastern States, reviews power sector in the region
‘Development of power sector a prerequisite for economic development of North-Eastern India’, says the Minister
PPA signed between Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Limited for supply of power from Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
“Development of North-Eastern India is on high priority of the Union Government and a well developed power sector is prerequisite to the economic development in these States”, said Shri RK Singh, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy  and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Shri Singh was speaking at the meeting of Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of Power of North-Eastern States in Guwahati today. The meeting was also attended by the senior officers of Power Ministry and the representatives of the DISCOMS.
In his opening address, the Minister recalled the achievements made during the past 3-4 years in power sector. However,he cautioned that concerted efforts will have to be made to make the system sustainable. In order to redeem our pledge for 24/7 power, we will have to reduce the losses and make the DISCOMS viable. He cited example of some of States which had huge commercial losses but have been able to bring down the losses to 15% or below. He urged NE States to adopt smart and prepaid meters to avoidpower theft. He assured all the assistance from the Central Govt. to the State Govts. in creating power infrastructure in NE States.The Minister further stated that grant for Central Government schemes will be made available to only those states who undertakes reforms, viz, reduction of losses etc.
North-Eastern India has a huge hydro potential and the State Governments have a major role in hydro-projects by way of facilitating land acquisition and implementing the resettlement& rehabilitation plans. He assured full support for development of hydro-power in the region and called upon all stakeholders to work in close coordination so as to optimally harness the hydro potential. Development of hydro projects in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh had contributed to the prosperity of those States. Similarly, NE States can reap long term benefits out of developed hydro projects.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed various power sector schemes & projects under implementation in the North-Eastern States, such as, Integrated Power Development Scheme , DeenDayalUpadhyay Gram JyotiYojana , Pradhan MantriSahajBijliHarGharYojana  and R-APDRP. He noted the gaps and directed concerned agencies to speed up the completion of pending work and advised State Governments to extend necessary help in getting statutory clearances. It may be noted that new projects worth Rs.1797.43 crore have been sanctioned under IPDS for the region. The Minister thanked the States for their cooperation in implementation of the schemes & projects and assured of full support in future in this regard.
On this occasion, a power purchase agreement was also signed between Government of Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Limited for supply of power from 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between Brazil and India for bilateral cooperation in the field of early childhood
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for signing of Memorandum of Understanding  on Cooperation between the Ministry of Citizenship of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Women & Child Development of the Republic of India for bilateral cooperation in the field of early childhoods.
Benefits
It will strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of early childhood care. Both countries will benefit from exchange of best practices of the respective countries in the field of early childhood.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the press note on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to March, 2022 based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions.
A detailed note is annexed.
Ministry of Textiles
Trading in Cotton Futures Contract starts in collaboration of Centre, MCX, trade & industry
Trading in newly launched, more representative Cotton Futures Contract has commenced from 13.02.2023 with the collaborative approach of Government of India, MCX, trade & industry.
In order to make the futures prices more representative and not speculative, contract specification and quality standards has been modified and new cotton future contract has been launched at MCX on 31st January 2023.
It will help in real price discovery and also will provide a platform for the industry to hedge their risk from future adverse price volatility. Further, farmers would also be benefitted and will have reference price while taking a decision to sell their produce in the market.
During Cotton Season 2021-22, Indian cotton prices reached to its peak level of more than Rs. 100,000 per candy in the month of May 2022 following unseasonal rain, speculative trading and a global cotton shortage. Industry were raising the concern of lesser open interest and speculation through trading of cotton future contract on the multi- commodity exchange  and thereby distortion in domestic cotton prices.
The matter was raised during the 2nd interactive meeting of Textile Advisory Group  held on 14th July 2022 as a result of which, Product Advisory Committee of MCX was re-constituted and enlarged with representation of Textile Value Chain from farmer to end users  to make the system more structured as per domestic market to curb the speculative trading and volatility in cotton prices. Now, Indian cotton prices are competitive and in line with global prices.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Awards RM Trophy for Best Command Hospitals
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh awarded Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best and Second Best Command Hospitals of the Armed Forces Medical Services  for the year 2018, heretoday. Command Hospital Air Force Bengaluru and Command Hospital Central Command Lucknow adjudged Best and the Second-Best Command Hospital respectively. The awards werereceived by Air Vice Marshal Deepak Gaur and Maj Gen Vivek Sharma, the commandants of the two respective hospitals.
The Raksha Mantri while complementing the two hospitals on their outstanding performance, acknowledged the commendable service being rendered by the AFMS, ranging from combat medical support to troops deployed in operational roles to state-of-the-art healthcare services at mid-zonal, zonal and tertiary care hospitals of the AFMS. The RM said, since the time of Acharya Charak medical profession and its proponents have been revered by the society and exhorted that endeavour should be made by these Command hospitals to maintain it.
Director General Armed Forces Medical Services  and Senior Col Comandant, Army Medical CorpsLt Gen Bipin Puri while speaking on the occasion, emphasised the preparedness of the AFMS to meet all challenges in providing medical support both during operations and in peacetime as well as when called upon to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He reiterated the resolute commitment of the AFMS to strive forprofessional excellence at all times.
The Raksha Mantri Trophy was instituted in 1989 to recognise excellence in healthcare services provided by Command Hospitals of the AFMS and to foster a spirit of healthy competition among them. A selection committee headed by an AFMS officer of the rank of Lt Gen/equivalent with the Joint Secretary , Ministry of Defence as a member recommends hospitals for the award each year via a comprehensive selection process based on objective performance indicators assessed during on-site visits to the hospitals.
The award ceremony was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra and other officials.
Nampi/DK
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Finance Commission
Finance Commission to visit Rajasthan
The 15th Finance Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh and including Members of the Commission, Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Dr. Ashok Lahiri, Dr. Ramesh Chand and Dr. Anoop Singh will visit the State of Rajasthan from 16th August to 19th August, 2019.
The Commission will begin its visit with a meeting with the Senior Economists including Prof. Anil Mehta, Ms. Archana Surana, Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Dr. Ashok Bapna, Mr. Atul Sharma, Mr. Basantt Khaitan, Ms. Divya Maderna, Mr. Edward Dickinson, Prof. G. K. Prabhu, Dr. Govind Sharma, Mr. K. B. Kothari, Smt. Krishna Bhatnagar, Mr. L. N. Nathuramka, Dr. Manjit Singh, Prof. N. D. Mathur, Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, Dr. Prashant Gupta, Mr. Rakshat Hooja, Dr. Rima Hooja, Prof. S. S. Somra, Prof.  S. L. Kothari, Amb. Satish C. Mehta, Amb. Savitri Kunadi, Prof. T. K. Jain and Dr. Vijay Vir Singh.
The Commission will hold the other meeting with the representatives of the State’s Panchayati Raj Institutions and Rural Local Bodies, representatives of the Urban Local Bodies and the representatives of the Political Parties of the State. The Commission will also have a meeting with the representatives of Trade and Industry bodies in the State.
On the second day of its visit, the Commission will have a detailed meeting with Shri Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan alongwith his cabinet colleagues and senior officers. There will be a presentation to the Finance Commission on the State Finances by PFS and also on Developmental/ Flagship Programmes of State Govt.
The Commission will also undertake field visits in and around Jodhpur including an interaction with the District Administration of Balasamund.
President's Secretariat
President of India pays Floral Tributes to Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma on his Birth Anniversary
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, paid floral tributes to Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan along with the family members of Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma also paid their respects on the occasion.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
107 Cities Registered For India Cycles 4 change Challenge
Challenge Open to All Indian Cities with Population above 5 Lakh
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the India Cycles4Change Challenge on 25th June, 2020. The Challenge is open to all Indian cities with population above 5 lakhs, capital cities of States/Union Territories  and Smart Cities.
As on 17th September, 2020, 107 cities have registered for the Challenge. A State-wise list of cities registered for the Challenge is given below. At present, participating cities are undertaking pilot projects, citizen surveys and participating in capacity building workshops related to the Challenge.
The India Cycles4Change Challenge aims to create extensive cycling-networks through low-cost interventions like pop-up cycle lanes and traffic-calmed or non-motorised zones. Cities could launch programmes such as community-led cycle rental schemes that increase the availability of cycles to citizens and promote the usage of cycling through public events and outreach. At present, there is no provision for providing cycles to cities under the challenge.
This was informed by Minister of State  for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
RJ/RP
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Environment Ministerial on Air Pollution and Stubble burning with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to be held on 01st of October.
No magic bullet for mitigation of Air Pollution; Centre, States government and citizens need to work in synergy towards fighting the menace: Shri Prakash Javadekar
Highlighting that the problem of Air Pollution in the winter months in Northern states especially Delhi, apart from man-made factors are caused by meteorological and geographical factors, the Ministerfor Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar said that Central, state government and citizens need to work together towards mitigation of Air Pollution and it is a shared responsibility.
The minister speaking at a press conference in Delhi further informed that this year meeting with Environment Ministers of Delhi and neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will be held virtually on 01st of October.
Stating that recognition of any problem is first step towards its solution, Shri Javadekar said that in 2016 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the real time Air Quality Index which acts as a key input in identifying pollution hotspots and directing policy efforts towards mitigation of Air Pollution. The problem of Air Pollution in winters especially in New Delhi is also related to meteorological reasons as well said the Minister.
Ventilation index, defined as the product of wind speed and mixing height, is a significant factor affecting Delhi's Air Quality. Winters are dominated by cold, dry air, and ground based inversion with low wind conditions, which makes the air stagnant and creates an unfavourable condition for dispersion. The wind blows from India’s north and north-west to the east direction during winters which ultimately results in combination of pollution and fog, leading to heavy smog formation in Delhi esp. during winters. The severity is further escalated due to rise in local and regional air polluting sources.
The Environment Minister also highlighted the measures taken by Central government in the past few years towards mitigation of Air Pollution such as closure of Badarpur power plant, phasing out of Sonipat power plant, introduction of less polluting BS-VI vehicles and fuel standards, speedier completion of peripheral expressway in Delhi, subsidy to e-vehicles etc.